Morgan Hill Bandits 12u Baseball

What a way to wrap up 3+ years of Bandits baseball... We started the bandits program as an outlet for all players who wanted to experience travel baseball and didn't have the outlet to do so. We never turned a player away and to this day that is the single greatest accomplishment this team should be recognized for.

However at this time, I have decided to step down as manager of the team to allow the group to evolve into something greater.

Throughout the past 3 years, we have had so many amazing families join as part of the Bandits family... and I use the word family to represent the life long friendships that have been formed in the process.

Special thanks go out to the coaches who have donated so much of their time with your players... First there is Dan Martinelli, who was there as my coach from rec ball, through the conception of the team... down to the last out on Sunday coaching 1st base. Ben Roseberry who has also dedicated so much of his time and experience to the boys. Jeff Roberts who has always kept me in check and provided the boys with constant encouragement.

There have been players past and present that have made the bandits what they are today. It has been my pleasure to watch past bandits succeed within other programs as well... Know that moving forward, I wish only success to all those who have wore the bandits uniform!

I have to also recognize my family for all they have sacrificed. Simone has always been there to pick me up when times were tough, Emily for her patience as "Baseball Dad" is off coaching every weekend. Most of all I want to thank Tyler, who shared me with the team and never complained when coach pushed him harder than everyone else...

Finally, I would like to thank ALL of the parents who have supported the Bandits over the years... Without your support, we could not have built this program. Simply put, THANK YOU!

So... It is with great pride and a heavy heart that I hand off what we have built to those who will take the Bandits to the next level.

Starting Jan 1st, the Morgan Hill Bandits will be transitioning into the Trosky - Kali travel program.

I know that with Coach Wes and his coaching staff the bandits will be in great hands!

Thanks you all once again!

Coach Eric-

Morgan Hill Bandits Place 3rd in Final Tournament

The Bandits Rock Halloween!!

I am so proud of the efforts of the Morgan Hill Bandits 11U Baseball team.
Through the efforts of Gina Cruz Wilson we were able to send letters of encouragement to Michael LaCoste. He faces adversity everyday, in both baseball and life.
The players on the team shared some of their toughest challenges and how they have faced their challenges head on!
Now Michael and his mother Renee are part of the Bandits Family.

Message From Renee LaCoste:
The California Bandits baseball team have written letters of encouragement to Michael.
Sitting here listening to him read each personal handwritten letter is something I can't even find words for.
I tried to read the coaches letter to him out loud & got so choked up that I had a hard time getting through it.
Coach Eric's letter along with these team letters are going in a frame.

Thank you Gina Cruz Wilson. You have no idea how this has touched my heart.

Now Michael has me planning a trip to California for a baseball game

Here's coach Eric's letter;
"Dear Michael,
My name is coach Eric & I am the manager of the Morgan Hill Bandits, a traveling baseball team.
I have heard all about you & your amazing story & some of the challenges you have faced...
The reason that all of the Bandits are writing to you is because we too have had our share of rough times.
The Bandits have played together for 3 seasons & our team is made up of players who wanted to play competitive baseball, but either the other travel teams were full or our players were just not good enough to play for them.

So, we started our own team with one goal in mind; Getting better!

To say the Bandits had a rough start is an understatement. We did not even come close to winning a game in our first 2 seasons. Our record was 0-18... But we didn't quit. We continued to practice, sometimes 2-3 days a week. We knew that if you focus on just getting better, over time you will improve & eventually find your first win!

It took us till the start of our 3rd season to get that first win & since then we have won plenty of games... We just never gave up.

This is the same message that I want to send to you.
I know that baseball and life in general can be tough at times. Know that even the best hitter in the major leagues only gets 1 hit in 3 at bats... That means that you will fail more than you will succeed. So, remember to embrace that one hit, and not to let the other 2 strikeouts get you down.
Most importantly, if baseball is something you love use that passion as your fuel to get better. Practice as much as you can, even if its not with your team. I have known many professional baseball players and their stories are all the same... They would practice with their team, then go home and practice more on their own.

You will see enclosed many letters and messages from the Bandits players. Every one of the players on the team have felt discouraged around playing baseball at some time.

But a Bandit never quits.

This is why I am sending you out a team hat and a medal from the first tournament we won.
You may live in another state, but from all I have heard... you deserve to be a Bandit.
Welcome to the team,
Coach Eric"

NEXT BANDITS TOURNAMENT:
All World March Madness - Fremont, CA
March 21-22, 2015 / Fremont Sports Complex

Game times and brackets to be announced this week.

Introducing the 2015 Spring / Summer Bandits Baseball Team
#16 Jonathan Davies
#12 Nathan Havens
#21 Steven Rosenberger
#34 Thomas Martinelli
#28 Tyler Rosa
#66 Jeremy Rodriguez
#25 Evan Coakley
#3 Tommy Wilson
#27 Jacob Roseberry
#14 Cole Wilson
#2 Ryan Roberts

Coaches
Dan Martinelli
Ben Roseberry

Manager
Eric Rosa

Bandits Nation,
What an amazing weekend...

We made it to the Championship game in our first tournament of the season!!

This was a 100% team effort, EVERY player on the team contributed to our success.

I also want to recognize our amazing parents!! You guys were AWESOME.... Your positive energy and enthusiasm helped to fuel our success. (That and several margaritas on Sat night!)

MAD PROPS to the Coler's for the Post Tournament Celebration/BBQ @ Casa de Coler.... You were amazing hosts and truly welcome additions to the Bandits family.

Back to practice, and prepping for our next tournament 9/6-9/7...

Please feel free to post any of your photos to this site so we can all enjoy!

Congrats to all,
E-

Photos from the All World Freak Tournament 8/23 - 8/24 (Fremont)

Game on Sunday at 8am... Players need to be there at 7am.

ANNOUNCING THE 2014 MH BANDITS:
# PLAYER
4 BEN COLER
10 JUSTIN LOVECCHIO
12 NATHAN HAVENS
14 COLE WILSON
16 JON DAVIES
19 ISREAL RAMIREZ
21 STEVEN ROSENBERGER
25 EVAN COAKLEY
26 JACOB ROSEBERRY
28 TYLER ROSA
34 THOMAS MARTINELLI

ALTERNATES:
Mateo Ocampo